Roller with treading and system including the same

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for rotating wafers in a double sided scrubber where a rotating roller imparts rotary motion to a semiconductor wafer during a double sided cleaning process. The rotating roller and wafer contact at their outer edges and the friction between their outer edges causes the wafer to rotate. The roller has an outer edge with a groove in which the wafer edge is pinched. Treads or grooves extending from the groove channel liquids away from the groove to prevent wafer slippage when rotating and cleaning solutions are applied to the wafer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to semiconductor wafer processing,specifically the cleaning process of a semiconductor wafer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the manufacture of semiconductor devices, the surface ofsemiconductor wafers must be cleaned of wafer contaminants. If notremoved, wafer contaminants may affect device performancecharacteristics and may cause device failure to occur at faster ratesthan usual.

One system used to remove wafer contaminants is commonly referred to asa scrubber. In at least one type of scrubber, a semiconductor wafer isscrubbed simultaneously on both sides by brushes. While the wafer isbeing scrubbed simultaneously on both sides by the brushes, the wafer isheld in place and rotated so that the entire surface of the wafer iscleaned. Rollers may be used for this purpose.

Scrubbers usually comprise a conveyor type mechanism, rollers, andbrushes. In general, the wafer lies flat on the conveyor mechanism andthe conveyor mechanism moves the wafer into the brushes. While beingscrubbed, the wafer is supported (or held horizontally) by the conveyormechanism, brushes, rollers, or a combination thereof. In one prior arttype of scrubber, as the wafer is being scrubbed by the brushes, theroller rotates the wafer so that the entire wafer surface may becleaned. The roller itself is being rotated about its central axis by amotor. The rotary motion of the roller is transferred to the wafer whenthe edge of the roller comes into contact with the outer edge of thewafer.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art roller. Referring to FIG. 1, the top andbottom surfaces 110 and 120 of the roller 100 are generally flat and theouter edge 130 of the roller 100 has a slight concave indentation(concave outer edge). As is shown in FIG. 1, the concave outer edge ofthe roller 100 contacts the outer edge of the wafer 150. When the roller100 and wafer 150 contact each other, friction between the edges iscreated, so that the rotation of the roller 100 causes the wafer 150 torotate. As shown in FIG. 1, the wafer 150 and roller 100 are inessentially single point contact.

One problem with this prior art roller is that the roller/wafer contactmay be insufficient, so that the wafer hesitates, i.e. fails to rotate.If the wafer fails to rotate during the scrub operation, some areas ofthe wafer will not be scrubbed, so that the wafer is not cleaned to thedesired level. An additional problem which may occur is that if thesystem relies on the roller to rotate the flat into a predeterminedposition for the next operation, the wafer flat may be misplaced. Forexample, after the scrub operation, the wafer may next go to a spin dryoperation where it is held by its edges. If the wafer flat is misplaced,the wafer may not be held properly.

FIG. 2 illustrates another prior art roller that compensates forinsufficient contact. Referring to FIG. 2, the roller 200 includes topand bottom surfaces (201, 202) which are generally flat, slightlyindented portions 203 and 204, and an inner groove (groove) 210. When awafer, such as wafer 250, is being cleaned between brushes, it is pushedforward and inserted into the groove 210 of the roller 200 to a pointwhere the groove 210 pinches the wafer 250 causing increased contact,and therefore, increased friction between the roller 200 and the edge ofthe wafer 250. Thus, when the roller 200 is rotated the friction causesthe wafer 250 to rotate.

However, even though prior art rollers provide a mechanism to pinch awafer, slippage between the wafer and the roller can still occur whencleaning solutions, such as ammonium hydroxide (NH₄ OH) and/or water,are used in the cleaning process. The NH₄ OH or other cleaning solutionacts as a lubricant between the outer edge of the wafer and the outeredge of the roller, reducing the friction between the edges when theycontact and causing slippage. It is desirable to reduce the slippagethat may occur between a wafer and a roller when solutions are used inthe cleaning process.

The treads allow better contact between wafer edge and roller as well asallow channels for fluid to drain through. (This is as important as theflow of fluids).

Another problem that occurs when scrubbing both sides of a wafer at thesame time is that the points of contact between the brushes and thewafer may not be aligned vertically. During the scrubbing process, theapplication of the brushes results in pressure being applied to thewafer at their point of contact. When these points of contact are notaligned vertically, the wafer may be tilted from its horizontal positiondue to pressure being applied on the wafer by one or both of thebrushes. The tilting of the wafer may cause the wafer to be displacedfrom the roller(s), and even shoot over the roller(s). It is desirableto maintain wafer contact with the roller during the scrubbing processwhen points of contact between the brushes and the wafer are notvertically aligned.

What is needed is a method and apparatus for rotating wafers in ascrubber with reduced or eliminated slippage, particularly when cleaningsolutions are being used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a roller having adjacent first andsecond side portions, with a groove there between. Treads extendingbetween the groove and an outer edge of at least one of the sideportions are used to channel solutions away from the groove.

In one embodiment, the roller has a groove which contacts the substrateand one or more treads channeling solutions from the groove, therebyensuring better contact between a substrate and the roller to facilitatethe imparting of rotation motion to the substrate.

In one embodiment, both side portions are conic shaped about a centralaxis with an increasing diameter from the groove to their outer edges.The outer edge of one of the side portions has a greater diameter thanthat of the other side portion.

Additional features and benefits of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description, figures, and claims set forthbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detaileddescription given below and from the accompanying drawings of variousembodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken tolimit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanationand understanding only.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side section view of a prior art roller.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side section view of another prior art roller.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side section view of one embodiment of a roller ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of the roller of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side section view of an alternative embodiment ofa roller of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of the roller of the presentinvention having an extended portion on one side of the roller.

FIG. 5A illustrates one embodiment of the side brush mechanism of thepresent invention incorporated into one of the rollers.

FIG. 5B illustrates one embodiment of a roller position apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the double-sided scrubber system ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A roller for use in a processing system is disclosed. In the followingdescription, numerous specific details are set forth such as specificmaterials, configurations, dimensions, etc., in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that these specific details need notbe employed to practice the present invention. In other instances, wellknown materials or methods have not been described in detail in order toavoid obscuring the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of the roller of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 3A, roller 300 comprises adjacent sideportions, the top 301 and the bottom 302, meeting at a groove 303. Top301 may be symmetrical to the bottom 302. In such a case, the groove 303resides in the middle of the roller 300. In an alternate embodiment, thegroove 303 does not reside in the middle of the roller 300, as the top301 and the bottom 302 are not symmetrical. In one embodiment, thegroove 303 has an opening approximately equal to a thickness of an edgeof the substrate. As the roller 300 rotates about a central axis, itimparts rotation motion to the substrate through contact between thesubstrate and the groove 303.

Treads 304 extend from the groove 303 to outer edges of the roller 300at the top 301 and bottom 302. The tread also allows better contactbetween the edge of the roller. The groove and the treads allow theroller to flex so that the roller grips the edge of the wafer. Treads304 operate to channel solutions away from the groove 303. Note that theterm "solutions" is meant to be inclusive and includes all types ofliquids, fluids, lubricants, or other non-solid, non-gaseous substances.Such solutions may be typically used as a cleaning solution for thesubstrate and/or a portion of the roller 300. When the roller 300rotates, the contact between the substrate and the roller 300 at thegroove 303 imparts rotation motion to the substrate. During therotation, solutions in the groove 303 are channeled away from the groove303 to the outer edges of the roller 300 from which the solutions aredispersed. By channeling these solutions from the groove 303 duringoperation, the present invention provides more contact between theroller 300 and a substrate.

In one embodiment, the width of each of the treads is the same as itsdepth. Also in one embodiment, the width of each tread is substantiallyconstant from the top to the bottom of the roller. Generally, it is moreadvantageous to have as many treads as possible. However, the materialand manufacturing process often dictates how close the treads may be toone another. For example, if the rollers are molded, the number oftreads may have to be reduced. Also, the presence of air bubbles maylimit the number of treads.

The roller 300 comprises a flexible material. In general, the materialof the roller should have a sufficient softness such that the rollerpinches the wafer's edge as described herein. In one embodiment, therollers are molded. The type of molding process may be poured molding,injection molding, or pressure molding. Additionally, the roller of thepresent invention may be machined. The material should not, however,generate excessive particles in use. Further, the material should have asufficient memory to retain its shape. In one embodiment, a urethane,for example, 70 Durometer natural urethane, is utilized. This materialhas been found to have sufficient softness, memory and low particlegeneration to meet the needs of the present invention. In oneembodiment, the material may comprise casted plastic. Note that in oneembodiment, any material that holds up to such solutions as HF, NH₄ OH,DI, etc., may be used.

FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of the roller of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 3B, the roller may be used with 4.0 inch(100 mm), 5.0 inch (125 mm), 6.0 inch (150 mm) and 8.0 inch (200 mm)wafers. The thickness (347) of the roller is approximately 0.433 inchand its length (345) is approximately 1.625 inches. The surfacethickness (346) of both the top and bottom portions is 0.062 inches. Theangle (344) at which the roller's diameter extends between the grooveand the surface thickness is 15°.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the groove at its outer openingranges from approximately 0.005-0.040 inch and, in general, isapproximately equal to (e.g., within 25% of) the thickness of a wafer.For example, in one embodiment, the groove thickness 350 is tailored tobe approximately 0.005 inch greater than the thickness of the wafer. InFIG. 3B, the distance from the center of the groove to the edge of thegroove, shown as dimension 349, is 0.020 inches. In FIG. 3B, the radiusof curvature (348) for the groove is approximately 0.005. The grooveangle 353 at which the sides of the groove slope is approximately 20°.

The roller includes a through hole with diameter (340) of 0.54 inches.Each of the treads have a radius of curvature (343) of 0.005 inches, awidth (341) of 0.088 inches, and an angle (342) of 40°.

In one embodiment, the groove pinches the wafer or to some extentconforms to the edge of the wafer. The pinching action does not occur onthe upper or lower surface of the wafer. A "V" shape groove may beadvantageous since as the edge enters the groove, it contacts the grooveat a narrow location of the groove while the surfaces of the wafer arenear or within a wider portion of the groove, thus avoiding contact.Although a "V" shaped groove has been illustrated, it will beappreciated that other shapes such as a "U" shaped groove, asubstantially square groove, a groove with curved walls, etc., may beused.

The dimensions given above for the roller are merely an example of oneembodiment of the present example and are meant simply to illustrate,and not to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be apparentto one of skill in the art that any of these dimensions may varydepending upon the wafer diameter and thickness and may be adjusted toserve the purpose of the present invention.

The roller of the present invention may be incorporated into a substrateprocessing system having multiple processing stations. For instance, thesubstrate processing system may comprise a substrate scrubbing systemhaving one or more brush stations for cleaning substrates. When a wetwafer is being cleaned between the brushes in a two-sided scrubber, itis pushed forward and inserted into the groove 303 of roller 300, suchthat groove 303 pinches the substrate causing increased contact, andtherefore, increased friction on roller 300 and the edge of thesubstrate. Thus, when the roller 300 is rotated the friction causes thesubstrate to rotate. When solutions, such as cleaning solutions ofammonium hydroxide (NH₄ OH), water, etc., are used, the treads 304 ofthe roller 300 channel the solution away improving friction between theroller 300 and the substrate so that there is reduced or no slippage ofthe substrate.

Although the present invention is described in conjunction with thescrubbing of a wafer, it will be appreciated that any similarly shaped,i.e. generally flat substrate, may be processed by the presentinvention. Further, it will appreciated that reference to a wafer orsubstrate may include a bare or pure semiconductor substrate, with orwithout doping, a semiconductor substrate with epitaxial layers, asemiconductor substrate incorporating one or more device layers at anystage of processing, other types of substrates incorporating one or moresemiconductor layers such as substrates having semiconductor oninsulator (SOI) devices, or substrates for processing other apparatusesand devices, such as flat panel displays, multichip modules, etc.

FIG. 4A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the roller of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 4A, the roller 400 is very similarto roller 300 (FIG. 3A) with the exception of the top 401 (or the bottom402) of roller 400 extending beyond that of bottom 402 (or alternativelytop 401). In other words, the conic-shaped portions of both top 401 andbottom 402 increase in diameter from the groove 403 to the first outeredge to top 401 and bottom 402; however, the diameter of the conicsection at the top 401 is larger than the diameter at the bottom 402. Byincreasing the size of at least one portion, top 401 and/or bottom 402,of the roller 400, the extended portion may be used to maintain contactbetween the roller 400 and the substrate when the pressure asserted onthe substrate by the two brushes are not aligned vertically. In oneembodiment, both the top 401 and bottom 402 are extended to ensure thata substrate remains in contact with and does not escape the innerconfines of the roller 400.

The top 401 with the extended portion may be approximately twice theheight of bottom 402. In one embodiment, the bottom 402 is 0.216 inches,while top 401 with its extended portion is approximately 0.433 inches,for an overall roller height of 0.649 inches.

The angle .O slashed. for the extended portion as shown in FIG. 4A maybe the same as that of the top 401. In one embodiment, the angle .Oslashed. is 15°. In an alternative embodiment, the angle .O slashed. forthe extended portion is not the same as that of the top. For instance,the angle .O slashed. for the extended portion may be less than thatangle .O slashed. between the center line and the top 401.

In regards to the treads 404, they may continue up into and/or throughthe extended portion or may stop where the extended portion begins. Inone embodiment, multiple treads feed a lesser number of longertreads/channels in the extended portion to facilitate the removal ofliquids.

FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of the roller having an extendedportion. Referring to FIG. 4B, the roller may be used with 4.0 inch (100mm), 5.0 inch (125 mm), 6.0 inch (150 mm) and 8.0 inch (200 mm) wafers.The thickness of the roller is approximately 0.634 inches, with thelength (461, 463) from the center of the groove to the bottom of theroller being 0.217 inches and to the top of the roller being 0.417inches. The length (456) from the center of the groove to the beginningof the surface thickness of the top of the roller is 0.355 inches, whilethe length (457) from the center of the groove to the beginning of thesurface thickness of the bottom is 0.154 inches. The length (451) fromthe center to the edge of one side is approximately 0.813 inches. Thelength (452) from the center to the deepest part of each tread isapproximately 0.703 inches. The angles (484, 455) at which the diameterof the top and bottom extend is approximately 15°.

The groove dimensions are the same as that of FIG. 3B. However, thedistance (458) between the center of the groove to a center of radius(459) is 0.255, where the radius (459) is 0.10 inches. The treaddimensions are also the same as those in FIG. 3B. An additional 1.0 inchbore (460) width having a 0.20 inch depth is at the top of the roller.

To enhance particle removal and/or increase more drive friction for theroller, the roller of the present invention may include a pad in thegroove to provide cleaning along the edge of the substrate. Note thatsuch a pad has not been shown to avoid obscuring the present invention.The pad may be made of an abrasive (e.g., nylon, PVA, polyurethane,etc.). In one embodiment, the pad comprises a SubaIV pad manufactured byRodel of Newark, Del. Other abrasive pads such as IC1000, suba500,politex (all manufactured by Rodel) can also be used. Note that the padcan be of different thickness and surface texture to increase and/oreven maximize the cleaning action. The pad may also be shaped to removeparticles only from an edge, where for instance, the wafer is withoutbevel areas that cannot be cleaned by the top and bottom brushes. Formore information on the pad and its use in cleaning the edge/bevel areasof a substrate, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/640,459,entitled "Method and Apparatus for Cleaning Edges of ContaminatedSubstrates," filed May 1, 1996, and assigned in-part to the corporateassignee of the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates one embodiment of a brush station in a scrubbersystem. Note that only those portions of the brush station pertinent tothe disclosure of the present invention have been shown to avoidobscuring the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5A, wafer 510 isplaced between brushes 520 of the double sided scrubber. Motor 540rotates roller 530 of the present invention. When roller 530 is incontact with wafer 510 friction is created between their edges. Thus,the rotating motion of rollers 530 and 531 and the friction that iscreated causes wafer 510 to rotate. The rotation of wafer 510 betweenbrushes 520 allows the entire surface of the wafer to be cleaned. Thetwo rollers 530 and 531 contact the wafer at two locations to rotate thewafer and to hold it in place (i.e., prevent forward motion) as it isscrubbed.

Rollers 530 and 531 are positioned by swing arms, which when rotated,cause the rollers to move in an arc towards or away from the wafer.

Water jets may be used to propel water into or near the point of contactbetween rollers 530 and 531 and the wafer, such as shown in FIG. 5A.Such water jets may be positioned such that the direction of water flowsfrom a plane aligned with the rotational axis of the wafer and contactpoints between the wafer and the roller. In such a case, the water maysimply carry particles away that are removed from the wafer by thecleaning process or may, if at sufficient pressure, cause removal ofparticles by itself. Note that the water jets are held in place bysupport structures which are well-known in the art. In one embodiment,the water jets are held in place above the wafer. Such a jet may be assimple as a barbed coupling with reducing barb to increase the velocityof the created stream. In one embodiment, the barbed coupling is 1/8" to1/16" in diameter. In another embodiment, the jet may include a nozzlethat produces a fanned, knife edge pattern. Water jets are well-known inthe art. Note also that jets that spray other chemicals may be used,instead of water.

FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative embodiment to move the rollers inposition in a scrubber system. Note that only those portions of thebrush station pertinent to the disclosure of the present invention havebeen shown to avoid obscuring the present invention. Referring to FIG.5B, two rollers 561 and 562 are shown at two different positions (A, B).Position A is at a stowed position, while position B is at a 4 in. waferposition. In one embodiment, the rollers 561 and 562 may be positionedto accommodate wafers of 4, 5, 6, 8 and 12 inches.

Each of rollers 561 and 562 is coupled to roller support structures 571and 572 respectively, which are coupled to two shafts 563 and 566. Inone embodiment, each support structure comprises a tractor describedbelow. Each of support structures 571 and 572 includes an inner memberor shaft coupled to its respective roller and rotatably coupled to twoshaft attachment mechanisms (shaft attachment mechanisms 581, 582, 583,584).

Shaft 563 comprises a right-hand threaded shaft 563A and a left-handthreaded shaft 563B coupled in the middle to form a single doublehelical lead shaft. Shaft 563 is coupled via a motor coupling 564 to amotor 565 which causes the shaft 563 to rotate. Shaft attachmentmechanisms 581 and 583 include threads for rotatably coupling to thethreads on shafts 563A and 563B respectively. Thus, the presentinvention uses a treaded drive rod with left and right threads to moverollers into position.

Shaft 566 is coupled to the lower end of each of rollers 561 and 562 inshaft attachment mechanisms 582 and 584, which slide on shaft 566through the use of bearings. In one embodiment, shaft 563 is a roundshaft while shaft 566 is a square-shaped shaft.

When shaft 563 is rotated, the support structures 571 and 572 includingthe rollers 561 and 562 move along the shaft 563 and slide along shaft566 which acts as a linear guide to maintain the alignment of rollers561 and 562 with respect to the wafer. In one embodiment, by rotatingthe double helical lead screw clockwise, the support structures 571 and572 and their associated rollers move away from each other. If the leadscrews is rotated counter-clockwise, then the support structures andtheir associated rollers move closer together.

Although shaft 566 maintains the alignment of rollers 561 and 562 withrespect to the wafer, shaft 566 is also rotated via motor 575 and motorcoupling 574 to impart rotation motion to the rollers. When the rollerscome in contact with the wafer, friction is created between their edges.The rotation motion of the rollers and the friction that is createdcaused the wafer to rotate. This rotation of the wafer between thebrushes allows the entire surface of the wafer to be cleaned. The tworollers contact the wafer at two locations to rotate the wafer and tohold it in place (i.e., prevent forward motion) as it is scrubbed. Inone embodiment, shaft attachment mechanism 582 and 584 include a set ofbevel gears which are coupled between shaft 566 and roller 561 and 562to impart that rotation motion.

Note that shaft 566 is coupled, in part, to the roller supportstructures through the use of bearings, which permit support structuresto slide along shaft 566 while it is rotating. For more information onthis roller position mechanism, see co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.08/705,162 entitled "Roller Positioning Mechanism" filed concurrentlyherewith on Aug. 29, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,832 and assigned to thecorporate assignee of the present invention.

An Exemplary Scrubber

FIG. 6 illustrates a conceptual view of a double sided wafer scrubber(scrubber) as may be used by one embodiment of the present invention.The scrubber includes a number of stations. Each of these stationslogically represent one or more steps in the wafer cleaning process.These stations can also include the hardware and software that completesone of the steps in the cleaning process. The cleaning process includesthe steps executed by the scrubber on the wafers. In one embodiment, thescrubber can process multiple wafers simultaneously; one or more wafersare being processed in each of the stations at a point in time.

Dirty wafers are loaded at one end of the scrubber; clean wafers areunloaded from the other end of the scrubber.

In load station 610 (also known as the input station), the operatorloads a cassette 680 into the scrubber. The cassette 680 contains anumber of dirty wafers. Wafers are automatically moved from load station610 to brush 1 station 620 on transport belt 1 615. Transport belt 1 615is moved by DC motor 693. Wafer 601 represents a dirty wafer beingautomatically removed from cassette 680 and placed on transport belt 1615.

In brush 1 station 620, a dirty wafer 602, is brushed and sprayed (waterjets not shown), to remove some of the particles from the dirty wafer602. Brushes 621 scrub both sides of the dirty wafer 602. The height ofthe top brush is controlled by a stepper motor (not shown). Roller 690rotates dirty wafer 602 and may act as a side brush. The once brushedwafers are then automatically moved to brush 2 station 630. This is doneby transport belt 2 616, controlled by a second DC motor (not shown).

In brush 2 station 630, a once brushed wafer 603 is brushed and sprayed(water jets not shown), to remove more of the particles from the oncebrushed wafer 603. Brushes 631 scrub both sides of the once brushedwafer 603. The height of the top brush of brushes 631 are controlled bystepper motor 691. Although not shown, brush 2 station 630 may alsoinclude a side brush, like roller/side brush 690, to clean the edge andbevel area of once brushed wafer 603. The twice brushed wafers are thenautomatically moved to spin & dry station 640, via transport belt 3 617.

Spin & dry station 640 rinses the wafers, spins them, and dries them.Wafer 604 represents a wafer being processed in the spin & dry station640. At this point, the wafer has been cleaned. Note, for one particulartype of wafer, the wafer must have been kept wet during the load station610, brush 1 station 620, and brush 2 station 630. Only after beingbrushed and rinsed can this type of wafer then be spun and dried. Thespun and dried wafer is then moved to the output station 650.

In output station 650, the clean wafer is put into a cassette 681. Wafer605 represents a clean wafer being put into cassette 681. The cassette681, when full of clean wafers, can then be removed by the operator.This completes the cleaning process.

Control system housing 670 houses a number of components that comprisethe heart of the control system for the scrubber. Control system housing670 includes a host cage 671 having a host board 672. The host board 672provides the overall control for the scrubber. The host board 672typically includes one or more host processors implemented in one ormore physical packages. The host cage 671 provides support for the hostboard 672 and other boards in the host cage (e.g. sensor input boards, avideo card for operator display 660, a board for communicating signalsfrom the host board 672 to the rest of the control system).

The host board can communicate to the rest of the control boards throughanother board in the host cage 671 (communication board 678) or througha connector directly to the host board 672. A control board is typicallya modular circuit formed on a printed circuit board, that controlsmotors or other devices within a scrubber. Typically, communicationsfrom the host cage pass through a communications board 678. Thecommunications board, in turn, communicates with other devices through abus 677.

Bus 677 supports an easily extensible and modular control system. In thescrubber of FIG. 6, the bus 677 links the host board 672, thecommunications board 678, the stepper motor backplane 695 and the DCmotor backplane 673. Messages between the various devices attached tothe bus 677 can be communicated according to a protocol described below.A message is a packet of information to be communicated from one pointto another point.

The stepper motor backplane 695 supports a stepper motor control board676. This stepper motor control board 676 controls the movement ofstepper motor 691 via stepper motor bus 692. Similarly, the DC motorbackplane 673 supports a DC motor control board 674. The DC motorcontrol board 674 controls the movement of the DC motor 693 and DC motor695 via DC motor bus 694.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of these backplanessupport up to four motor control boards. However, one of ordinary skillin the art would understand that the present invention is not limited tobackplanes that support only four motor control boards.

Operator display 660 typically includes a monitor like a cathode raytube, or flat panel display. In one embodiment, operator display 660also includes a touch sensitive screen allowing the operator to interactwith the scrubber control system.

Note that FIG. 6 is a conceptual drawing. Some components arerepresented by one symbol so as to not overly obscure the presentinvention. For example, it is possible to have transport belt 3 617 bemade of two or more physical transport belts, each belt being moved by adifferent DC motor.

Whereas many alterations and modifications of the present invention willno doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art afterhaving read the foregoing description, it is to be understood that thevarious embodiments shown and described by way of illustration are in noway intended to be considered limiting. Therefore, references to detailsof various embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimswhich in themselves recite only those features regarded as essential tothe invention.

We claim:
 1. A system for processing a substrate comprising:a first wafer processing station; and a second wafer processing station coupled to the first station, wherein at least one of the first and second wafer processing stations comprises a roller to rotate the substrate, the roller having a groove; a first outer edge; at least one tread extending between the groove and the first outer edge.
 2. The system defined in claim 1 further comprising a solution dispenser, coupled to the at least one of the first and second wafer processing stations, to dispense a solution onto the wafer, wherein the at least one tread comprises a plurality of treads to channel the solution away from the groove.
 3. The system defined in claim 1 wherein the roller further comprises:a second outer edge; at least one tread extending between the groove and the second outer edge.
 4. The system defined in claim 3 wherein the at least one tread extending to the first outer edge rotates about a central axis and is conic shaped having an increasing diameter from the groove to the first outer edge, and the at least one tread extending to the second outer edge rotates about a central axis and is conic shaped having an increasing diameter from the groove to the second outer edge.
 5. The system defined in claim 4 wherein the diameter at the first outer edge is greater than the diameter at the second outer edge.
 6. The system defined in claim 1 wherein the roller rotates about a central axis and imparts rotation motion to the substrate through contact between the substrate and the groove.
 7. The system defined in claim 1 wherein the first and second stations comprises first and second brush stations.
 8. The system defined in claim 1 wherein the roller comprises a flexible material.
 9. The system defined in claim 1 wherein the groove has an opening approximately equal to a thickness of an edge of the substrate.
 10. The system defined in claim 1 wherein each of the first and second wafer processing stations comprises a brush station to clean the wafer.
 11. A system for cleaning semiconducting wafers comprising:a first wafer processing station; and a second wafer processing station coupled to the first wafer processing station, wherein at least one of the first and second wafer processing stations comprises a roller to rotate the wafer, the roller havinga groove; a first outer edge; a first tread, having a width and a depth, extending between the groove and the first outer edge; an extended edge; an extended portion extending between the first outer edge and the extended edge.
 12. The system defined in claim 11 wherein the groove is "v" shaped havinga first groove side; a second groove side intersecting the first groove side and forming a groove angle with a vertex located at the intersection of the first and second groove sides.
 13. The system defined in claim 12 wherein the groove angle is equal to 20 degrees.
 14. The system defined in claim 11 wherein a width of the first tread is substantially equal to a depth of the first tread.
 15. The system defined in claim 14 wherein the width of the first tread is substantially constant from the groove to the first outer edge of the roller.
 16. The system defined in claim 15 wherein a second tread extends from the first outer edge of the roller to the extended edge of the roller and the second tread is longer than the first tread.
 17. The system defined in claim 11 further comprising a solution dispenser, coupled to the at least one of the first and second wafer processing stations, to dispense a solution onto the wafer, wherein the first one tread comprises a plurality of treads to channel the solution away from the groove.
 18. The system defined in claim 11 wherein each of the first and second wafer processing stations comprises a brush station to clean the wafer. 